Johannesburg – The Sports Ministry and the SA Football Association (Safa) are keeping mum on a possible international soccer and rugby double header at FNB Stadium in August.
The SA Rugby Union (Saru) said on Friday it was waiting for a response from the Sports Ministry on the ongoing contractual negotiations.
Government had requested that the Springboks and Bafana Bafana turn out at the same venue, on the same day, to honour former President Nelson Mandela.
“We cannot comment because we have not signed anything,” Sport and Recreation director general Alec Moemi said on Saturday.
Safa president Kirsten Nematandani said it was premature to comment, but he confirmed it was a government proposal.
“Saru has committed the Springboks to honouring the Nelson Mandela Sports Day and is awaiting the department's response to the contractual discussions,” Saru said in a statement.
Saru had agreed to move the Rugby Championship match between South Africa and Argentina on August 17 from the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein to FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
“Saru is engaging with the department of sport and recreation on the concept to ensure that all contractual obligations to broadcasters, sponsors and other stakeholders are honoured and that all logistical concerns are addressed in the event of the occasion going ahead.”
Bafana Bafana, who play three games, including two World Cup qualifiers, over the next two weeks, have not yet committed to a match in August, according to the Fifa fixtures list.
Their next possible matches, at this stage, will be played in October and November, if they reach the third round of World Cup qualifying, and head coach Gordon Igesund should be eager for international friendlies in advance. – Sapa